Seiko Epson Corporation has developed its S250 series of high-precision force sensors. The S250 series technology, which were rolled out worldwide from June, will be available as an option for the company’s six-axis and SCARA robots.

Employing Epson’s proprietary piezoelectric quartz sensing technology, the new force sensors are durable and sensitive, allowing them to accurately and consistently sense minimal amounts of force in six directions1.

This will allow customers to automate complex manufacturing tasks and will improve productivity. Epson also provides robot operation commands with the sensor, allowing customers to easily introduce the system.

Many manufacturers are turning to robots as labor shortages and falling birth rates and aging populations hit companies in the world’s leading economies, and the trend to reshoring continues worldwide.

Epson’s innovative new force sensors answer these needs and are a significant step forward in achieving the company’s mission of using robots to improve the way products are manufactured.

The S250 series enables robots to feel force as limited as 0.1 N, allowing the robots to automate complex tasks such as precisely assembling delicate components.

The sensors can also be used on tasks that formerly relied on human sensory perception such as polishing and deburring, freeing people from repetitive manual work.

“The new force sensors are a significant development for Epson and for the manufacturing industry in general,” said Yoneharu Fukushima, COO of Epson’s Robotics Solutions Operations Division.

“As a company dedicated to manufacturing innovation, the new sensors help to expand the applications for robots, and bring us a step further towards achieving our goal of creating a world in which robots support people in a wide variety of situations.”

“There is strong demand for industrial robotics and their applications within the Southeast Asia region, with robotics spending looking to double in Asia Pacific by 2019, according to IDC. The new force sensors will meet the demands of customers within Southeast Asia, to improve their productivity through automation of complex and intricate tasks. At Epson, we are committed to bringing new innovations to our customers to help them achieve their business goals,” said Ng Ngee Khiang, Regional General Manager, Epson Robotics Division.

The robots with new force sensors will be available from June within Southeast Asia, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.